Abstract: An exhaust line for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine having a catalytic converter, the exhaust line being located upstream of the catalytic converter with respect to the flow direction of exhaust. The exhaust line has an externally applied heat-conducting layer preferably made of a metallic material and an internally disposed insulating layer made of a heat-insulating material. The insulating layer and the heat-conducting layer are connected directly and forcewise with one another. The layer thickness of the insulating layer is less than 2 mm, the specific heat capacity c of the insulating layer is less than 106 J/(m3h), and the heat diffusivity &kgr; of the insulating layer is less than 0.01 cm2/s.

Abstract: In known starting devices, an individual starter is provided which accelerates the internal combustion engine to only a relatively low rotational speed at which an initial injection with subsequent combustion takes place. During a cold start of the internal combustion engine, it is therefore absolutely necessary to provide a relatively rich fuel/air mixture for the initial injection. However, this results in a situation in which, during this phase, relatively high exhaust gas emissions, in particular of hydrocarbons, are produced, which cannot be controlled by a catalytic converter which is not yet at its operating temperature.

Abstract: In a method of operating an internal combustion engine particularly a motor vehicle internal combustion engine, wherein the engine is driven, during an engine start-up procedure, to a predetermined engine activation speed and fuel injection is activated, after the engine has reached the engine activation speed, only after a delay period at least one second after activation of the ignition system.